1966 Ford Falcon XP – Today’s Restomod Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 08.08.2018

Something different, and for those wanting a little more modernity out of their classic

The 1965-66 XP Falcon was the final iteration of Ford Australia’s first-generation Falcon, a nameplate that would grow into both an icon and staple of Australian motoring.

It famously embarked on a 70,000 mile endurance run around Ford’s You Yang’s proving ground, successfully shed its prior ‘fragile’ image and became the first Falcon to sell more than 70,000 units.

There were three displacement options for Ford’s robust six-banger; a base model 2.3lt, the Pursuit 170 2.8lt, with the top spot occupied by the 3.3lt Super Pursuit.

Transmission options from factory included a three-speed automatic or manual, or a two-speed Ford-O-Matic.

This 1966 XP ute, however, if fitted with none of that.

If you’re Mr. Matching Numbers, you may pass this one up. And that’s okay, it’s not for everyone.

But variety is the spice of life, and this eye-catching XP, chock full of modernity, will surely appeal to some out there and even offer a more stress-free ownership experience without fear of getting the mileage up on an all-original classic.

A new 302 roller cam crate motor with a C4 automatic and stage two shift kit provides the stonk; and new disk brakes up front along with new drums in the rear brings the stopping power.

The seller reports that everything in the car is either new or reconditioned with new parts; including tie rods, ball joins and bushes, as well as new rubber all throughout the car. The car bears a reconditioned steering box, new shocks at all four corners with super low King Springs. The interior has been extensively reupholstered with bucket seats, centre console while a retro-looking FM radio provides the driving music.

It’s an extensive package which leaves little stone unturned. The seller has obviously loved this car and tipped a fair bit of coinage into it.

It presents well in deep blue metallic paint over chrome 12-slotters. The engine bay is near-faultless and overall the car looks impressively clean.

Restomods are often divisive, and may not satisfy the purists and preservationists. But they definitely have a deserved place in their own. It can be stressful for some people driving an all-original classic on the road, but someone can be very happy with this rig in the garage, ready for when the sun is out.

The car is listed for $35,500 and is based in Queensland.

You can check out the full listing here!

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